Long story in condensed version: Sold Phantom 4 to colleague who didn't pay nor learn to fly P4 before I could teach. Drone wrecked since RTH height not set and returned to me with no money. Fortunately, it appears that only major damage is a destroyed motor and a small puncture to the top shell. Based on the multiple threads and youtube videos, it appears fairly simple to change the motor. It looks like a major pain to change the top shell, not to mention it is $60 for a replacement shell. I'm not planning on "selling" the P4 again and the cosmetics don't bother me much - especially if I just put a skin on it. But, I'm indecisive on what I should do and looking for some opinions. My thoughts:
PS: I'm not concerned about the actual technical aspects of repair as I have been building and repairing computers, cell phones, lap tops and virtually any other electronic devices for over 30 years. However, an extra hour of time spent on a needless repair is very valuable to me.
- Since I have to do about 50% of the disassembly to replace the motor, now would be the time to change the shell.
- If there is some safety issue with not fixing it, then it is a no brainer - but, I'm not aware of why there should be such an issue.
- If I were to sell the P4, I would automatically change the shell, but I'm not.
- I am going to replace another motor that seems to have slight resistance, so, my total repair investment for motors is $45 versus $150 if I replace the entire shell when including new screws.
- I am tentatively planning on introducing my 16 y/o daughter to the enjoyment of flying a UAV by gifting this to her, so, again, I don't want to have the possibility of any safety or performance issues.
PS: I'm not concerned about the actual technical aspects of repair as I have been building and repairing computers, cell phones, lap tops and virtually any other electronic devices for over 30 years. However, an extra hour of time spent on a needless repair is very valuable to me.